STR Logo

STR

Principal Space System Architect

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Easy Apply
Arlington, VA
Senior level
Easy Apply
Arlington, VA
Senior level
The Principal Space System Architect will lead the design and development of space-based sensor systems, defining architecture and requirements, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
The summary above was generated by AI

About the Team:

The Sensors Division specializes in the development of advanced sensor systems, with a particular focus on airborne and surface-based radar, space-based sensing, electronic warfare, and underwater acoustics. This position is within the Space Missions and Sensing (SMS) Sector of the Sensors Division. In this sector, we develop and deliver technology to advance space-based sensing, space control, and counter-sensing missions.

The Role:

The SMS Sector is seeking a Principal Space System Architect to leverage their system engineering expertise in a dynamic Research & Development environment. In this role, you will be an integral part of a team dedicated to the design and development of a cutting-edge space-based radar system. Your responsibilities will include defining the architecture and requirements for the constellation, encompassing command and control, intersatellite communications, ground processing, spectrum allocation, and satellite sensor modes.   You will work to determine how functionality should be partitioned between space and ground segments, taking into account key constraints such as SWAP-C and security.

As the system architect, you will collaborate closely with the chief engineer and program manager to establish and execute the program’s objectives, requirements, and development plan. You will also play a key role in assessing current and future system capabilities and providing technical development insights for business development initiatives. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth within a fast-paced and rapidly expanding company.

What you will do:

  • Lead the system architecture and requirements development for a team building a space-based sensing constellation
  • Perform and/or oversee detailed analysis to derive command and control, data transport, and ground processing requirements
  • Identify the system development roadmap to address technical risks, while collaborating with other team leads and subcontractors to test and integrate subsystems
  • Work with teams inside STR and across the government to come to a common understanding of how the mission may be partitioned between the system under development and other government systems. Develop interface control documents that capture these major interactions. 
  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers across various groups and divisions.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior staff.

Who you are:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship as mandated by the U.S. government.
  • BS, MS, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
  • A minimum of 7+ years of relevant engineering experience with a proven track record in a similar System Architect role
  • Deep expertise with space system engineering, specifically focused on command control, data transport, and ground processing
  • Relevant experience working with subcontractors to fabricate, build, and assemble space subsystems
  • Multi-disciplinary knowledge in areas related to system engineering, including mission modeling, systems design, hardware software, and firmware design, integration, and testing
  • Skilled at leading and directing the activities of development teams
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong understanding of RF systems in one more more of the following domains: Radar, Electronic Warfare, Electronic Attack, and Communication systems

Even Better:

  • Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level
  • Experience designing, integrating, and testing optical communications hardware
  • Deep understanding of onboard versus ground-based processing trades
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to fellow engineers, researchers, and non-technical stakeholders
  • Experience providing technical contributions to business development and proposal efforts
  • Real-time software development skills
  • Experience with field test planning and execution

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.


STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.

Top Skills

Applied Mathematics
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Real-Time Software Development
Rf Systems

Similar Jobs at STR

4 Hours Ago
Easy Apply
Arlington, VA, USA
Easy Apply
Junior
Junior
Machine Learning • Security • Software • Analytics • Defense
The Model-Based Systems Engineer will lead projects using MBSE, implement traceability, mentor junior staff, and collaborate on software development.
Top Skills: AfsimC/C++CameoJavaPythonSysml
5 Days Ago
Easy Apply
Arlington, VA, USA
Easy Apply
Senior level
Senior level
Machine Learning • Security • Software • Analytics • Defense
Design and implement real-time processing solutions in software for radar systems, including DSP, performance analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Top Skills: C++CudaMatlabRfsocXilinx Mpsoc
5 Days Ago
Easy Apply
Arlington, VA, USA
Easy Apply
50K-150K
Senior level
50K-150K
Senior level
Machine Learning • Security • Software • Analytics • Defense
Lead the design and implementation of real-time processing solutions for advanced radar systems. Collaborate with teams to develop and validate software solutions and drive technical leadership.
Top Skills: C++CudaMatlabRfsocXilinx Mpsoc

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account